Muslims from across the globe simultaneously recited holy verses from the Quran for one hour today in conjunction with the inaugural 'World #QuranHour' event, all in the name of Islamic solidarity.

The main event, held at the International Islamic University Malaysia's (IIUM) Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque, was participated by over 3,000 people as two million Haj pilgrims gathered on the Arafah Plain, Saudi Arabia to perform the "wukuf" (grand assembly) on the 9th day of Zulhijjah.

Socio-cultural adviser to the Government Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, who is also IIUM president, said the programme reflected "the joining of souls" among Muslims the world over in glorifying the commands of Allah.

"We are gathered here at IIUM to mark the lifestyle of Muslim society. This event is incomparable to other activities. Let us together continue to strengthen humanity and put aside differences," he said in his speech at the programme that began at 9am.

Later, Rais recited the Al-Fatihah verse to mark the beginning of the 'World #QuranHour' programme, followed by recital of the Al-Baqarah verse by the Malaysian Islamic Development (Jakim) director-general Tan Sri Othman Mustapha.

At the National Mosque, the programme began with a prayer recital followed by a short lecture entitled 'Manners in Reading the Al-Quran' before a recitation of 30 verses of the holy Quran.

Besides the public, the programme was also participated by 50 members of Karyawan including its deputy president, Radhi Khalid; veteran singer Datin Paduka Julie Sudiro; actor Ezani Nizariff; and singer Rozita Rohaizad.

In SELANGOR, the 'World #QuranHour' programme was broadcast live on TV3 from Sri Pentas 2, Plaza Alam Sentral in Shah Alam, which saw participation from 100 guests including actor Datuk Rosyam Nor; national cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang; and Da'i tv programme third season winnner, Hamidah Abdul Razak.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, some 400 people participated in the programme, organised by the Negeri Sembilan Rumah Ngaji and the Negeri Sembilan branch of the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (Perkim), which was held at the State Mosque.

Also present were state mufti Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad who led the recital of the holy verses, State Secretary Datuk Mat Ali Hassan and state mosque imam Zaher Rudin Mokhtar.

The programme also saw a recital of doa (prayers) for the security and well-being of the country, as well as for good health for Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan who was recently discharged from the National Heart Institute.

In KELANTAN, over 2,000 people thronged the Muhammadi Mosque in Kota Bharu to join the programme which was attended by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and State Islamic Development, Propagation, Information and Regional Relations Committee deputy chairman Dr Yusnan Yussof.

The programme started with special 'dhuha' and 'hajat' prayers led by the mosque's young imam I, Wan Zulkifli Wan Omar, followed by simultaneous Quran recital at 9am.

In PAHANG, the programme was held at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Mosque in Indera Mahkota, Kuantan and Al Muadzam Shah Mosque, Rompin with participation of 500 and 300 people respectively.

International students were also spotted taking part in the programme held at the Universiti Malaysia Pahang campus in Gambang, Kuantan.

In PERAK, the 'World #QuranHour' programme was held at several venues in Teluk Intan, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar and Ipoh.

In Ipoh, the programme, organised by the Perak Women's Caring Organisation (PWPP), was participated by almost 300 Muslim women at the Sungai Rapat Kampung Melayu Jamek Mosque.

In SABAH, the programme held at the Tawau Raya Mosque in Tawau, was joined by over 100 staff from the Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Ma'ahad Tahfiz Ashabissyahid students and members of the public.

In KEDAH, the Quran recital programme, held at the Al-Bukhary Mosque, was led by its imam Mohamad Isa Shaari and attended by more than 150 people.

"This programme should be expanded from time to time so that the Muslims can spend more time to read the Quran and observe 'iktikaf' (to stay for a while) in the mosque," said Mohamad Isa.

He said the mosque also organised a breaking-of-fast event today in conjunction of the Wukuf Day in the Arafah Plain.

In TERENGGANU, the programme was held at the Permai Hotel, jointly organised by its management and the Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation.

In PUTRAJAYA, about 7,000 Muslims participated in the event at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque which began as early as 4.15am.

The event started with a 'qiamulail' (waking up in the middle of the night to perform a series of prayers), pre-dawn meals, mass 'subuh' prayer, pre-dawn religious lecture, special 'dhuha' prayer and followed by recital of the Quran at 9am.

In PERLIS, some 60 students of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) sacrificed their semester break by joining the programme at the university's campus in Pauh, Arau.

UniMAP's Islamic Centre Religious Affairs officer Muhammad Adib Hassan said the participants took part in the event until late this afternoon in conjunction with the wukuf ritual observed by haj pilgrims in the Arafah Plain.

In SARAWAK, the programme was participated by about 1,700 people at three locations, namely Darul Hana Mosque and Ooha Chill Donut Boat, both in Kuching, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in Kota Samarahan.

The Sarawak's programme coordinator Nasruddin Mohamad said the Ooha Chill Donut Boat was chosen as the venue to convey the message that the Quran could be recited and appreciated regardless of location.

In MELAKA, Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin participated in the programme along with about 200 people at the As-Salam Mosque in Kampung Air Hitam Darat, Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah.

Mas Ermieyati said such a programme not only could give spiritual tranquility, but also played an important role in uniting Muslims the world over.